Medical oxygen tank refill

Types Of Medical Oxygen Tank Refill

There are various types of medical oxygen tank refill, classified according to the method and medium used. These types are as follows:

• Cylinder Refill

  Cylinders are metal or metal alloy containers based on heavy steel or aluminum. Oxygen is supplied and kept in high pressure within these cylinders. Once empty, oxygen refill can be added by putting them in a high-pressure oxygen supply system. All the valves of the empty cylinder are opened, and the cylinder is connected to an oxygen supply line, which is then pressurized, filling the cylinder with oxygen.

• Liquid Oxygen Refill

  Liquid oxygen systems store oxygen in a liquid state within a cryogenic container. Here, oxygen is supplied in a cost-efficient manner, particularly for heavy use or larger businesses. The system cools down the oxygen cryogenic temperatures until it liquefies. This method requires specialized equipment for storing and handling liquid oxygen due to its low temperature.

• Oxygen Concentrator

  An oxygen concentrator is an electrical device that extracts oxygen from ambient air and delivers purified oxygen. Air has about 21% oxygen concentration, which the focus filters and concentrates to about 90-95% through a molecular sieve. This method eliminates the need for cylinders or liquid oxygen and provides a continuous oxygen supply. It's energy-efficient and convenient, requiring minimal maintenance. An oxygen concentrator provides oxygen therapy, mainly for home healthcare, hospitals, and clinics.

Industrial Applications Of Medical Oxygen Tank Refill

• Healthcare Sector

  Medical oxygen refills are indispensable for surgeries, therapy, and emergency treatment across all health facilities. Particularly with respiratory therapy being highly in demand, the refill stations need to be efficient and readily available to meet the demands of the patients' needs.

• Manufacturing And Emergency Services

  Refrigerants and Oxidants: Oxygen is integrated into welding (oxy-acetylene welding) and cutting (OFC) metals in various manufacturing processes. Liquid oxygen use lowers costs and offers efficiency. Moreover, oxygen is added to high-performance rocket fuels as an oxidizer to space and missile fuel manufacturing, a crucial step for these time-sensitive industries.

• Transportation And Travel

  Oxygen enrichment Systems: On aircraft, a medical oxygen tank can provide supplemental oxygen in low oxygen concentration regions of the atmosphere. Such tank refills must adhere to strict safety and efficiency protocol. Some airlines use oxygen concentrators in aircraft to reduce the weight of carrying oxygen cylinders.

• Environmental Remediation

  Contaminated Site Treatment: In this application, medical oxygen tank refills are applied to enhance the biodegradation of contaminants in soil or groundwater, mainly in the case of petroleum hydrocarbons or other biodegradable substances. Oxygen is added to the soil or groundwater through a tanker. This stimulated microbial activity causes the microorganisms to consume the contaminants as food, thus cleansing the environment.

• Aquaculture

  Fish Farming: In aquaculture, oxygen refills help minimize oxygen deficiency in densely stocked ponds and cages. This oxygen tank refill encourages better growth and reduces mortality and disease. Existing oxygen levels in water are monitored, and refills are done as required to maintain good levels. Oxygen is reinfused into the water through a diffuser or combined with water using a Venturi injector. This creates a favorable environment for raised fish and other aquatic organisms.

Product Specifications And Features Of Medical Oxygen Tank Refill

Technical Specifications

• Composition: The medical-grade oxygen is at least 99.5% pure and contains water not more than 0.1% and traces of impurities.
• Pressure: It is filled under high pressure of around 2000 psi (137.9 bar) in cylinders and up to 3000 psi (206.8 bar) or more in smaller high-capacity cylinders.
• Temperature: The temperature of a cylinder depends on the volume and pressure and is generally about 164 °C (320 °F). However, liquefied oxygen boils at -183 °C (-297 °F).
• Color-coding: The color-coding of oxygen tanks differs in each country, according to international standards. For example, in the USA and Canada, oxygen tank cylinders are green-colored, while in Europe, they are blue-colored.
• Size and portability: Oxygen tank cylinders are portable, with sizes including 3-6 inches (7-15 cm) in diameter and 20-50 inches (51-127 cm) in length, weighing around 5-15 kg (11-33 lbs).
• Regulator compatibility: Medical oxygen tank refills are compatible with both DISS (Diamond Interchange Safety System) and PISS (Pin Index Safety System) regulators.
• Valve type: Medicine oxygen tank cylinders typically have CGA (Compressed Gas Association) valves to ensure safety and ease identification.

How to Install

• Examine the empty oxygen tank and cylinder for any dirt, dust, or damage before connecting to any oxygen source.
• Remove the protective covers from both the tank and the oxygen refill apparatus valves and ensure they are aligned and matched.
• Open the apparatus refill valve gradually, followed by the oxygen tank valve to ensure a slow build-up of pressure.
• Monitor the pressure gauge to prevent overfilling and then close the refill valve and disconnect the apparatus.

How to Use

• Close all valves and ensure the oxygen tank is well secured before use.
• Open the main valve on the oxygen tank to release any trapped oxygen, then adjust the pressure to 0.
• Connect any medical devices, like nasal cannulas or oxygen masks, to the tank outlet using the corresponding connectors.
• Set the desired flow rate on the flow meter as prescribed by the physician.
• Open the therapy valve slowly to start the flow of oxygen and adjust as required while monitoring the gauge and patient.

Maintenance And Repair

• Close the medical oxygen tank valve when not in use to prevent any potential leaks and keep the cover secured to avoid contaminating the valve.
• Regularly check for wear and tear, including cracks, dents, and gauge wear, and service or replace them if necessary.
• Wash the tank and valve area with a damp cloth and avoid any cleaning substances that contain oily substances.
• Take the oxygen duct and run it at least once a month to ensure it's running smoothly.
• Store the oxygen tank in a dry place free from heat sources and sunlight and away from flammable substances and electrical equipment.

Quality And Safety Considerations Of Medical Oxygen Tank Refill

• Oxygen Purity

  Oxygen purity is among the most key and crucial quality criteria in medical oxygen pertains. Medical oxygen should at least be 99.5% pure since impurities and pollutants could harm people's health. Hence, oxygen is checked for concentration when contained in the tank and after oxygen refill to ensure it maintains the required concentration before being distributed or utilized.

• Container Material

  The optimal container materials for oxygen gas management are aluminum and steel alloy, as they provide sufficient strength and resistance to corrosion. Unlike other substances that may deteriorate or give way under stress, these materials can comfortably handle the high pressure inside the tank. They also have superior impact and puncture resistance properties and are granted extra strength, making them durable and long-lasting. This guarantees both the safety and security of the highly pressurized contents and the successful delivery of the medical-grade oxygen required.

• Cylinder Inspection

  Continuous inspections are mandatory for every medical oxygen tank cylinder to ensure faultiness and safely solve it. Common cylinder damages include dents and corrosion, which can threaten safety if not corrected. Hence, an NDT inspection is done using expertise that checks for internal and external flaws with no liquid or fire involved. Inspections are legally required to comply with regulations and guarantee quality performance.

• Handling Practices

  The refill medical oxygen tanks must be handled care and concern paid to avoid any form of contamination and physical or chemical hazard. First, the tanks should be properly grounded and protected from sharp objects and electric currents. Second, flammable material should be kept away from the oxygen-rich environment because such conditions are explosive. Finally, ensure regular checks for leaks using soapy water and oxygen concentrators, as they can cause an explosion or fire. Adopting right handling practices go further to enhances safety and security in using or having the oxygen around.

Q & A

Q1: How long does a 2000 Medical oxygen tank last?

A1: An Oxygen tank at 2000 psi will last approximately 5 hours at a flow rate of 2 liters per minute. However, factors such as altitude and temperature can influence the results.

Q2: How often should a medical oxygen tank be checked?

A2: Ideally, an oxygen tank should be checked once every 6 months if it's on constant usage. However, if it's not frequently used, it should be checked once a year.

Q3: Can people with hypertension use oxygen concentrators?

A3: Typically, Hypertensives are advised not to use oxygen concentrator because excess oxygen can cause high blood pressure in some people.

Q4: Do hospitals refill oxygen tanks?

A4: Hospitals have their own oxygen manifolds which services their medical oxygen tank to constantly ensure available supply. They only send empties for refill when they are out of stock.